Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "ふるい", "昔", "老舗", "老獪"
All represent the core concept "old", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
ふるい
ふるい (furui)
N5 / CEFR
Japanese Option B
昔
むかし (mukashi)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
老舗
しにせ (shinise)
N2 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
老獪
ろうかい (rōkai)
N1 / CEFR
Quadruple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "old" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "ふるい", "昔", "老舗", "老獪" based on context.
- ふるい (ふるい (furui) - Level: N5): Maps to "old (not for people)" and is used when An い-adjective. Used for objects, buildings, or things that have existed for a long time. Not used for the age of people. Opposite of 新しい.
- 昔 (むかし (mukashi) - Level: N4): Maps to "old times, ancient times, a long time ago" and is used when Noun or adverb. Refers to a past period, often distant. Commonly used to begin traditional stories.
- 老舗 (しにせ (shinise) - Level: N2): Maps to "old shop, long-established shop/firm" and is used when Refers specifically to a business that has been operating for a long time.
- 老獪 (ろうかい (rōkai) - Level: N1): Maps to "old and cunning; wily; astute (often implying negative conniving)" and is used when 経験を積んでいて、物事の裏をかくなどずる賢い様子を表す。良い意味ではあまり使われず、策略的で手強い人物を指す。Describes someone who is experienced and shrewd, often in a cunning or sly way, especially in outsmarting others. Rarely used in a positive sense, usually referring to a formidable, strategic person..
Context for "ふるい"
このカメラはとてもふるいです。
This camera is very old.
Context for "昔"
昔々、おじいさんとおばあさんがいました。
Once upon a time, there was an old man and an old woman.
Context for "老舗"
この和菓子屋は創業200年の老舗だ。
This Japanese confectionery shop is a long-established business founded 200 years ago.
Context for "老獪"
あの政治家は老獪な手腕で、いくつもの難局を乗り越えてきた。
That politician, with his wily tactics, has overcome many difficult situations.
Synonym Mastery Challenge
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "このカメラはとても ＿＿＿ です。" (Meaning: "This camera is very old.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "ふるい" is correct here because it represents "old (not for people)" in the context: "This camera is very old.".